5 Crucial Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Published On: January 13, 2020

It’s an unfortunate truth that even the safest and most diligent drivers can end up in a car accident. When the worst happens, being prepared and knowing what to do afterward can save you time, money, and a major headache. If you’re in a car accident, here are the most important things to do afterward.

1. Check for injuries, move to a safe spot, and inspect the damage

If anyone involved in the accident is injured, your first priority should be to contact emergency services immediately. If possible, try to move your vehicle to a safe spot at the side of the road or in a parking lot. Turn your car’s engine off, put the hazard lights on, and check your car to see if it is drivable or not. Do not attempt to flee the scene of the accident! If you do, you’re committing a hit-and-run, which can be a felony criminal offense if someone was injured in the accident.

2. Call the police and get an accident report

A police officer can be trusted to gather information from all parties involved in a way that is accurate and impartial. Given how traumatic a car accident can be, it’s completely understandable that you are too stressed out and panicked to be able to think clearly. Once you’ve deemed it safe to move your vehicles to the side of the road, call the police and let them know that you need an officer on the scene for an incident report.

3. Gather information

After everyone is safe, you’ll want to start exchanging contact information with any other drivers and passengers involved. Collect their names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information as well. Make a note of the accident location, and if there is a police officer present, get their name and badge number as well. The police can also supply a police report number which will allow you to access the incident report.

 

4. Take photographs

As long as you can safely do so, take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident. Try to capture every angle of your car and any others, and document the scene of where the accident took place. These pictures will be useful if you decide to file an insurance claim, and they can also help auto repair services give you an estimate on the cost of fixing your vehicle.

5. Start thinking about repairs

Related to the last point, you’ll want to start thinking about how you’ll get your car fixed after the accident. For severe accidents, you’ll probably have to file an insurance claim and go through the process of dealing with claims agents, filing and completing the claim, and paying the deductible. However, if your car has suffered relatively minor damage such as a dent, crack, or bumper scratch, it may actually be cheaper for you to pay out of pocket for the repairs using an affordable mobile repair service such as Bumper Buddies. We’re often cheaper than the cost of your insurance deductible, allowing you to avoid the hassle associated with insurance claims and traditional auto body shops.

With over thirty years of experience, Bumper Buddies can handle all the car bumper repair needs you might have after an accident. Whether you’ve got a scratch, crack, or dent that needs fixing, Bumper Buddies is here and ready to handle it for you. Rather than force you to leave your car in a shop for days at a time, we bring our mobile bumper repair vans to you at the time and place of your choosing. Our work comes with a three-year guarantee, and if you’re not satisfied with our work, we’ll continue to come out and service your vehicle until it looks right. You can call us at (888) 711-5074 or fill out an estimate form on our website for a free, no-obligation quote on the costs of repair. 

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